IndexEastern Africa Submarine Cable System (EASSy) OALC-4 Submarine Cable Technical Description COPYRIGHT ALCATEL-LUCENT, 2008 D1-S1-V1 Issue 1 Index PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Index Issue History Issue 1 Date 15/10/2008 Creation Change Index PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK the book or document must not be copied or reprinted or reproduced in any material form. Hence in any equipment it is possible for items to have the same code designation. will not accept any liability for any death or personal injury. Unless otherwise stated. order or contract. Due to the possibility of changes.) used on the equipment described are allocated a code designation. loss or damage arising from any error therein or omissions therefrom. but to differ considerably in appearance. etc. Performance figures and other data quoted herein are typical and must be specifically confirmed by Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks before they become applicable to any particular tender. depending upon the actual manufacturer. the values quoted in any components table should be confirmed by reference to those quoted on the appropriate detailed schematic drawing or in the appropriate stock list. In the case of electrical components the code is allocated to an item having specific electrical parameters and not the products of an individual manufacturer.959 . but accepts no liability of any kind for any error or omission therein and as far as allowed by law.Index COPYRIGHT AND PROTECTIVE NOTICES The copyright in this document and the associated drawings are owned by Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks. The publication of information herein does not imply freedom from patent and other protective rights of Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks or others. Issue 13 11/07 S. Such components are direct electrical and mechanical replacements. Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks makes no representation and gives no warranty in respect of the source of origin of manufacture of the goods or any part thereof. mechanical piece parts. All items (including electrical components. either wholly or in part and the contents of the book or document or any method or technique available therefrom must not be disclosed to any other person whomsoever. Without the written consent of Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks given by contract or otherwise. Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks takes every precaution to ensure that data and other material in this publication are correct and complete. and the direct station earth. (b) Connect the earth wire of a discharging rod (Wand) to an earth stud. or added (eg an insulated shorting lead). (b) Equipment with panels (or other items) marked DANGER A. (d) Earthing of the equipment. KEEP AWAY FROM LIVE CIRCUITS. (a) SWITCH OFF POWER. use two Wands: one held on one terminal while the other is discharged. Ensure that designated tools are available. must be good. earthing one terminal if the other is isolated does not discharge it. should not be serviced when live. and an Assistant ready to render assistance in case of need. extreme care should be exercised. (e) The equipment must never be opened by an unauthorised person. After discharge ensure that there is a conductive path between the capacitor terminals. where operating potentials in excess of 1 kV are used. (c) DISCHARGE ANY CAPACITORS BEFORE TOUCHING ANY WIRE: A Capacitor can only be discharged by a path between both its terminals. as provided on all power feed cubicles for this purpose. 3. This equipment works at HIGH VOLTAGE that is hazardous and may cause FATAL results if operating personnel come into contact with it. either provided by the normal circuit. MAINS. HIGH VOLTAGE or any similar marking. If neither terminal is connected to earth. If one terminal is resistively or directly connected to earth use a Wand to discharge the other. the following rules must be strictly observed: (a) Operating personnel must be trained in HV Working Practice. and always observe all safety regulations. At least TWO people are required: an Operator.Index WARNING HIGH VOLTAGE (HV) 1. (c) If live working is unavoidable. (f) Do not make adjustments inside the equipment while it or any other HV power supply is connected to the submarine cable system. This is particularly so in equipment such as for power fed repeater systems. 2. to prevent . Ensure discharge is complete.C. While working. While every practical safety precaution has been incorporated in the equipment for its safe use in normal conditions. take extreme care to follow the Power Safety Procedure laid down by the responsible authority before power is applied to the system. . THE SHORTING LEAD MUST BE REMOVED BEFORE SWITCHING ON AGAIN 4. POWER SAFETY PROCEDURE for a CABLE SYSTEM To avoid danger to personnel at a distant terminal of a submarine cable system.Index WARNING voltage build up due to dielectric relaxation. Two risks arise if the ceramic body of the relay were to be broken: . for about 15 min. 4. . whether spare or for disposal. 2.Index WARNING HV GAS FILLED RELAY 1. 3. This equipment contains HV Gas Filled Relays. 1.it would only be hazardous if the relay was broken in a restricted space and sniffed vigorously. Ensure that all HV Gas Filled Relays. However.toxicity of the gas. (a) Protective eyewear should be worn when handling these devices. odourless and relatively heavy gas that should descend to floor level. Its toxicity is low . are properly packaged to avoid the risk of breakage.observe HV (high voltage) precautions.flying debris. (b) SF6 is a colourless. The pieces of a broken HV Gas Filled Relay should be cleared up with the usual safety precautions for sharp objects. If a HV Gas Filled Relay is broken. In normal usage these relays are safe. evacuate the vicinity within 3m. STATIC SENSITIVE DEVICES . in which SF6 (Sulphur Hexafluoride) is at greater than atmospheric pressure. and disperse. if a HV Gas Filled Relay requires maintenance the equipment should first be powered down:. .Index WARNING These units contain static sensitive devices and suitable precautions should be taken when handling. the chain hoist has a safe working load of 60kg and must only be used for the removal and refitting of power converters. The chain hoist has a current test certificate.Index WARNING LASER LIGHT The laser light sources in this equipment are potentially dangerous to eyesight. The safe working load of the chain hoist is 150kg that must not be exceeded. Every precaution has been taken in design and manufacture to ensure that direct viewing of the laser beam is precluded but users are advised to ensure that they are not in direct line of sight with the beam from any disconnected sections of the optical path. Before operating the equipment: 1. . It must be ascertained that the chain hoist meets local current legislative requirements. 2. CHAIN HOIST This equipment contains a manually operated chain hoist. When used in conjunction w ith the lifting jib. if the equipment is switched on. Staff working on this equipment must be aware of the dangers of handling units that are very hot and take suitable precautions. During maintenance on this equipment. . units may need to be accessed or removed and this could expose some hot surfaces. Normally these surfaces are not accessible and therefore no possibility of contact by an operator exists.Index WARNING HIGH TEMPERATURES IN EQUIPMENT This equipment contains units that during operation may have surfaces with temperatures in excess of 70 degrees centigrade. Index PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK . Index OALC–4 SUBMARINE CABLE June 2007 OALC–4 Page 1 All rights reserved. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent. . Copy. Index PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK . ................................. Copy.17 5.................19 6......................................16 5..........................................................................1 GENERAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS .................................................................................................................................................................4 BRANCHING UNIT COUPLERS......................2 JOINTING OPERATIONS FOR MAINTENANCE PURPOSES.....................20 7............................................................................ REPEATER COUPLERS .............................................................................. GENERAL........................................................................................18 6..................................................................................................................4 1.13 4...................................................................................... have been completed within an ISO 9001 and a TL 9000 certified organization................3 COUPLER CHARACTERISTICS .............................. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent...........Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable The cables and joints described in this document have been designed and qualified by Alcatel-Lucent according to international submarine cable standards (ITU-T Recommendation G976) for optical systems operating around 1............... STORAGE AND OPERATION ..........................................1 LAND CABLE: SUBMARINE TYPE ..14 4........................1 DESIGN AND FIBRE LIFETIME ........21 8...20 8....1 GENERAL ......................................2 EXTREMITY JOINTING BOX DESIGN ..............................18 6............ Contents Page 1.................20 7.2 JOINTING BOX DESIGN ...1 GENERAL.......................................... Design.....................................................16 5............................................................ MARKINGS ......................................20 7............................................................................................................................................. ARMOUR TRANSITIONS........................................... together with the qualification of corresponding manufacturing processes...........13 3...55 µm......22 9.............. JOINTING .............. CABLE ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS ......3 JOINTING BOX CHARACTERISTICS ..........21 9...........................................23 10.......................................................................................21 9................... LAND CABLE...............................................................................................18 6................................................................................... RELIABILITY ...........................................................................................................................2 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ........................................................3 WATER INGRESS LIMITATION .........................................................20 7........................................... JOINTING OPERATIONS ON BOARD CABLE SHIP ......................1 CABLE .................14 4...4 1.......2 DESCRIPTION OF CABLES......21 9.2 LAND CABLE: TERRESTRIAL TYPES .....1 JOINTING OPERATIONS DURING CABLE INSTALLATION .................................................2 SUBMERGED EQUIPMENT ............................................................................. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS AND DEFINITIONS....... ..................................................21 8.........24 June 2007 OALC–4 Page 2 All rights reserved..... development and qualification of these products.............................5 2.............15 5......................19 6............3 ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS ........................................ 17 FIGURE 10 .................. 13 TABLE 3 ............................................................LIGHTWEIGHT PROTECTED CABLE (LWP) .............................................TYPICAL CABLE TERMINATION ................. 26 FIGURE 12............6 CALCULATED RECOVERY CURVES ........................................................... 26 FIGURE 12........24 10............................................................... .........28 Figures Page FIGURE 1 .................................. 19 FIGURE 12.................................................................................................................................. 18 FIGURE 11 ........................................CABLES CHARACTERISTICS (SUMMARY)..........Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable 10................................. 14 June 2007 OALC–4 Page 3 All rights reserved....... PRODUCT QUALIFICATION ......3 CABLE END SEALS .......................TYPICAL LAND POWER CABLE CONSTRUCTION ..................................................4 CABLE RECOMMENDED BENDING RADIUS................................DEEP-SEA CABLE JOINTING BOX ...............................RECOVERY CURVES FOR LW CABLE ..................................................... 15 FIGURE 8 ..........7 LENGTH OF CABLE TO BE REPLACED IN CASE OF DAMAGE ............................1 ................................................. Copy...................................RECOVERY CURVE FOR DA CABLE (DEPTH 500M)..................CABLE ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS .................ARMOURED CABLE JOINTING BOX WITH BEND LIMITER ...............2 .....5 CABLE RECOMMENDED TEMPERATURE RANGES .......... 7 FIGURE 4 ......24 10.........LIGHTWEIGHT CABLE (LW)...........................2 SPARE SUBMERSIBLE PLANT RECOMMENDED TESTS ............. CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT .....RECOVERY CURVE FOR SA CABLE (DEPTH: 2000M) .......................................................COMPOSITE CONDUCTOR ..........24 10............... 25 FIGURE 12......................................TYPICAL LAND OPTICAL CABLES CROSS SECTION ..25 10................................................3 .. 6 FIGURE 3 ............. 11 FIGURE 7 ........................1 STORAGE CONDITIONS ..................................... 27 Tables Page TABLE 1 ...................... use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent.27 12.....................................................................................................................................................................................SINGLE ARMOURED CABLE (SA)...............27 11...... 10 FIGURE 6 – DOUBLE ARMOURED CABLE (DA) ....................................FIBRE UNIT STRUCTURE ............................................ 8 FIGURE 5 ...................................................................................... 16 FIGURE 9 ......... 12 TABLE 2 .....................................................................................................................25 10.......................................... 6 FIGURE 2 ........24 10...............................................................................LCP CABLE PACKAGING .4 ........................RECOVERY CURVES FOR LWP CABLE ....... The combination of loose structure and fibre proof-test prevents any fibre break that would be caused by ageing stress during the design life of the system. The OALC-4 cable design can accommodate up to 6 pairs of fibres. This cable is used with a DC resistance of 1 and/or 1.1 GENERAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS The main design function of a cable is to protect the optical fibre transmission path over the entire service life of the system. different types of armouring being available to suit route conditions and installation methods. As a result. A secondary function is that its metallic elements are used either to feed an electric current to the repeaters or to monitor on a permanent basis the status of the transmission system and to localise cable breaks. The cable design ensures that negligible strain and ultra low pressure are applied to the fibres in normal operation. . which have demonstrated more than 20 years of total reliability. GENERAL 1. Even in the most adverse conditions such as cable recovery. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent. June 2007 OALC–4 Page 4 All rights reserved.test. the cable can practically house any type of fibre provided it can handle a proof. the raw materials selected are of the same type as those used in previous generations of coaxial and optical fibre cables. This is achieved with a unique design in which fibres lay freely in a steel tube. Copy. The fibres are housed in a jelly filled steel tube surrounded by two layers of steel wires that form a protective vault against pressure and external aggressions. burial. external layers of steel armour wires are added. depending on actual system requirements. These high performances are made possible thanks to a cable structure that isolates fibres from mechanical stresses under normal operation conditions.6 ohm/km. This vault is then enclosed in a hermetically sealed copper tube and insulated with a layer of polyethylene to form the deep sea LW cable.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable 1. so that the bulk of the cable will remain serviceable. including laying. cables are dimensioned so that stress applied to the fibres never reaches critical levels. Even if the cable breaks. high strain on the fibres and sea-water ingress are limited to a short length. and provide tensile strength. For shallow water applications. and recovery operations. Whenever possible. 2 Lightweight protected cable The lightweight cable structure is protected by an additional coated metallic tape formed around the insulated sheath with an overlap and covered by a second sheath of black high density polyethylene to form the LWP cable. fishing hook penetration and fish-bite damage. This structure. filled with a non-hygroscopic compound. This completes the design of the lightweight (LW) cable. inspection or raw material specifications where this modification improves the efficiency of the production or the quality of the product. is called Composite Conductor. 1.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable Alcatel-Lucent.6 ohm/km cable). 1.2. The polyethylene insulation provides abrasion resistance and high voltage insulation.2. 1. shown in Fig. 2. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS AND DEFINITIONS 1.2 DESCRIPTION OF CABLES. however.6 ohm/km cable). The OALC-4 LW cable may be used at any sea depth down to 8000m (1.1. 3. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent. reserves the right to make any modification to the production. is called fibre unit structure. The OALC-4 LWP cable may be used at any sea depth down to 7000m (1. The fibre unit structure is protected by a very high strength steel wire vault. .2. 4. June 2007 OALC–4 Page 5 All rights reserved. This structure. shown in Fig. This design provides an additional protection against abrasion. shown in Fig. The Composite Conductor is then polyethylene insulated. Axial water penetration is limited by injection of a water blocking material between the vault steel wires.1.1 Deep sea cable 1.1 Lightweight cable Optical fibres are housed in a steel tube. Copy. used for deep-sea deployment. This vault is surrounded by a copper tube. but is generally used between 1000 and 3500m. shown in Fig. produced by seam welding a tape formed around the vault and swaging it onto the strand. Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable Optical fibers Filling Jelly Steel tube FIGURE 1 . .COMPOSITE CONDUCTOR June 2007 OALC–4 Page 6 All rights reserved. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent.FIBRE UNIT STRUCTURE Optical fibers Steel Wires Strand Filling Jelly Composite conductor Steel tube FIGURE 2 . Copy. 27 0.56/0.3 17 1. Copy.0/1.LIGHTWEIGHT CABLE (LW) June 2007 OALC–4 Page 7 All rights reserved.0 & 1.6 0.33/0.50 0.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable Insulating sheath Optical fibers Filling jelly Steel wires vault Composite conductor Steel tube CHARACTERISTICS Optical fibres capacity First layer wires # (left hand) First layer wires diameter Second layer wires # (left hand) Second layer wires diameter Outer diameter Cable Resistance Weight in air Weight in water Storage factor PERFORMANCES Cable breaking load (CBL) Permanent tension acceptable (NPTS) Operating tension acceptable (NOTS) Short term tension acceptable (NTTS) Modulus Crush resistance Impact resistance Pressure resistance Hydrodynamic constant (Lay) Hydrodynamic constant (Recovery) mm mm Ω/km kg/m kg/m m3/km Up to 12 8 1. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent.26 kN kN kN kN km kN J MPa deg.4 16 1.knots deg. .knots 70 20 30 50 >21/>25 30 >20 100 46 / 41 53 / 48 mm FIGURE 3 . 3 23 1.4 16 1.75 0.6 0.LIGHTWEIGHT PROTECTED CABLE (LWP) June 2007 OALC–4 Page 8 All rights reserved.48 kN kN kN kN km kN J MPa deg. Copy. .38/0. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent.81/0.knots 70 20 30 50 >17/>22 30 >20 100 42 / 39 49 / 45 mm FIGURE 4 .knots deg.0 & 1.32 0.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable Fiber Unit structure & composite conductor Insulating sheath Metallic screen Outer sheath CHARACTERISTICS Cable core diameter First layer wires # (left hand) First layer wires diameter Second layer wires # (left hand) Second layer wires diameter Outer diameter Cable Resistance Weight in air Weight in water Storage factor PERFORMANCES Cable breaking load (CBL) Permanent tension acceptable (NPTS) Operating tension acceptable (NOTS) Short term tension acceptable (NTTS) Modulus Crush resistance Impact resistance Pressure resistance Hydrodynamic constant (Lay) Hydrodynamic constant (Recovery) mm mm mm Ω/km kg/m kg/m m3/km 17 8 1.0/1. 2. June 2007 OALC–4 Page 9 All rights reserved.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable 1. is normally used for surface laying in shallow water where burial is not required (no threat) or to add additional protection where burial was originally thought to be possible but prevented due to the presence of existing in-service cables or pipelines. is normally used where full protection by burial is possible. with additional external protection provided where required by conditions and nature of the seabed and installation methods. in deep sea applications the transition with the LW/LWP cable is to be recovered from the SA cable. shown in Fig.2. It may be used at any sea depth between 0 and 2000m. 1. This cable. The steel wires are flooded with bituminous compound and covered by polypropylene yarns. flooded with bituminous compound and covered with polypropylene yarns. It may be used at any sea depth between 0 and 500m but is generally used between 0 and 200m.2 Double Armoured cable (DA) DA cable is made by adding a second layer of galvanised steel wires around the SA cable. 6.2. 1.2. This cable.2 Armoured cables Armoured cables use the lightweight (LW) deep sea cable as central core structure. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent. Copy.2. .1 Single Armoured cable (SA) SA cable is made by stranding a single layer of high strength galvanised steel wires over the lightweight (LW) cable structure. 5. shown in Fig. SINGLE ARMOURED CABLE (SA) June 2007 OALC–4 Page 10 All rights reserved.75 kN kN kN kN km kN J MPa deg.1 1.4 18 470 28 2.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable Fiber Unit Structure with composite conductor Insulating sheath PIP yarns Galvanized steel wires Flooding compound CHARACTERISTICS Cable core diameter Steel wires diameter Steel wires # (left hand) Steel wires lay length Outer diameter Weight in air Weight in water Storage factor PERFORMANCES Cable breaking load (CBL) Permanent tension acceptable (NPTS) Operating tension acceptable (NOTS) Short term tension acceptable (NTTS) Modulus Crush resistance Impact resistance Pressure resistance Hydrodynamic constant mm mm mm mm kg/m kg/m m3/km 17 3.5 0. Copy. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent. .knots 280 100 150 200 >19 40 400 100 76 FIGURE 5 . 0 2.4 24 510 37.4 kN kN kN kN km kN J MPa deg. first layer PIP yarn Galvanized steel wires.8 1. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent.5 4. .4 18 470 3. second layer Flooding compound CHARACTERISTICS Cable core diameter First layer steel wires diameter First layer steel wires # (left hand) First layer steel wires lay length Second layer steel wires diameter Second layer steel wires # (left hand) Second layer steel wires lay length Outer diameter Weight in air Weight in water Storage factor PERFORMANCES Cable breaking load (CBL) Permanent tension acceptable (NPTS) Operating tension acceptable (NOTS) Short term tension acceptable (NTTS) Modulus Crush resistance Impact resistance Pressure resistance Hydrodynamic constant mm mm mm mm kg/m kg/m m3/km 17 3. Copy.knots 545 200 300 400 >19 40 400 100 90 mm mm FIGURE 6 – DOUBLE ARMOURED CABLE (DA) June 2007 OALC–4 Page 11 All rights reserved.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable Fiber Unit Structure with composite conductor Insulating sheath Ø 17 mm Galvanized steel wires. 81 0.5 1.32 SA 17 3.75 0. without significant reduction of NPTS.knots deg.8 kN kN kN kN km km 70 20 30 50 >21 25 70 20 30 50 17 22 280 100 150 200 >19 20 545 200 300 400 >19 >19 deg.6Ω/km Performances UTS NPTS NOTS NTTS Modulus 1Ω/km 1.6Ω/km Hydrodynamic constant for recovery 1Ω/km 1. The Nominal Transient Tensile Strength (NTTS) is the maximum tension that can be applied to the cable during a cumulative period of one hour. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent.CABLES CHARACTERISTICS (SUMMARY) June 2007 OALC–4 Page 12 All rights reserved.27 LWP 17 23 0.4 18 470 28 2. .Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable The standard tension characteristics of the OALC-4 cables as defined below are summarised in Table 1.5 4. The Ultimate Cable Tensile Strength (UTS) is the maximum tension that can be applied to the cable without causing cable break.0 1. Copy.6Ω/km Weight in water 1Ω/km 1.1 2.4 24 510 37.6Ω/km Unit mm mm mm mm kg/m kg/m kg/m kg/m LW 17 17 0.4 DA 17 3. without significant reduction of NPTS/NOTS.8 2.9 2. The Nominal Permanent Tensile Strength (NPTS) is the maximum tension that the cable can withstand during the system lifetime without any impairment of fibres nor degradation of the overall cable performance. Characteristics Cable core diameter 1st layer steel wires diameter 1st layer steel wires # (left hand) 1st layer steel wires lay length 2nd layer steel wires diameter 2nd layer steel wires # (left hand) 2nd layer steel wires lay length Outer diameter Weight in air 1Ω/km 1.knots 53 48 49 45 76 73 90 90 mm mm TABLE 1 .33 0.0 3.38 0.4 18 470 3.56 0. The Nominal Operating Tensile Strength (NOTS) is the maximum tension that can be applied to the cable during the time necessary to make cable joints.50 0. 0 or 1. Transitions involve a progressive change between the two cable types. • Progressive changes of armour wire sizes and number. . use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent. Copy.18 µF/km TABLE 2 . Transitions are usually made during the manufacturing process. Transitions are designed such that the required strength level and handling characteristics vs. in an appropriate sequence. CABLE ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS The cable electrical characteristics are given in table 2. bend and twist are maintained across the transition. Composite conductor resistance at 10°C DC resistance temperature coefficient Insulation between composite conductor and water Dielectric strength between composite conductor and water Nominal capacitance in sea water ≤ 1. • Incorporation of binders and fillers as necessary to maintain wires at required places. ARMOUR TRANSITIONS Where route conditions require the use of different cable types.6 Ω/km 4. June 2007 OALC–4 Page 13 All rights reserved.10-3/°C > 105 MΩ.km > 45kV DC for 5 min 0. Each manufactured section length is electrically checked. and is compatible with the use of electroding fault detection methods. used to ensure changes in diameter do not cause snagging during cable transfer.CABLE ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS 3.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable 2. They can include: • Polypropylene yarns. transitions from one type of cable to another are made to ensure a transition of mechanical properties. The cable electrical insulation is qualified to sustain a 12kV operational voltage for 25 years. This cable is primarily intended to be laid in ducts. one housing the optical fibres and the other ensuring the power transmission. or it can be split into two cables based on terrestrial cable designs. LCP cable may be delivered in containers or on drums according to Table 3. 4. its design can be either derived from the submarine cable design. LAND CABLE The land cable links the beach manhole and the terminal station. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent. The outer jacket is made of high-density polyethylene. its design is identical to the lightweight protected cable (LWP). . Ref Type E165A GBE E220 E245 FN GN HN IN wood wood wood wood steel steel steel steel Diameter (mm) flange barrel 1650 900 1900 1200 2200 1200 2450 1300 1650 965 1900 1160 2200 1400 2600 1680 Width inner 820 950 1000 1000 610 1000 1000 1000 (mm) Weight outer (kg) 951 190 1170 445 1187 450 1187 575 750 185 1175 325 1175 390 1175 590 Capacity (m) 1000 2300 4000 5500 1100 2600 3300 4800 TABLE 3 . Depending on land route characteristics or whether a particular improved immunity is required against electromagnetic perturbations.1 LAND CABLE: SUBMARINE TYPE The submarine type of land cable is called LCP. The metallic tape is acting as an electromagnetic screen and is earthed after installation. These cables are compatible with Alcatel-Lucent’s standard land joint housings.LCP CABLE PACKAGING June 2007 OALC–4 Page 14 All rights reserved. and the cable nominal outer diameter is 23mm.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable 4. Copy. ensuring both the optical and the power transmission. 3 . 8 1 7 3 5 4 Dielectric. the land cable is split into two cables. June 2007 OALC–4 Page 15 All rights reserved. These cable designs are longitudinally watertight.Outer sheath0 Armoured. one housing the optical fibres and the other ensuring the power transmission. typical cables crosssections are shown in Fig. 6 . The cable outer protection is to be adapted to actual installation conditions. Two basic versions are available: o a fully dielectric cable. This design is suitable either for duct pulling or for direct burial applications. . which outer protection is made out of reinforcement yarns and an outer polyethylene jacket.Filler. Copy.2. o an armoured cable.2. 7. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent.TYPICAL LAND OPTICAL CABLES CROSS SECTION 4.2 LAND CABLE: TERRESTRIAL TYPES If terrestrial cable types are used. which are SZ-stranded around a dielectric strength member to form the cable core. which outer protection consists in an optional intermediate polyethylene jacket and reinforcement yarns.Optical fibre. 5 . 7 .Mechanical reinforcement (yarns/armour).2 Power cable The power cable design is dimensioned to ensure the transmission of the feeding power from the terminal station to the beach joint.Inner sheath (armoured). a corrugated steel tape.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable 4. 4. duct or buried type FIGURE 7 .Loose tube.core wrappings. 4 . 8 . 2 .1 Optical cable The optical cable design is based on the stranded loose tube design.Dielectric strength member. Fibres are housed in jelly-filled plastic loose tubes. duct type 1 8 2 2 7 3 6 5 4 1 . suitable for duct pulling applications. longitudinally applied with an overlap and an outer polyethylene jacket. achieved by anchoring the armour wires. a helically applied screen and a black plastic outer jacket.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable It comprises a stranded bare copper or aluminium conductor. the copper tape and the stainless steel tube to the body of the joint. coiled in dedicated tanks located on each side of the box. June 2007 OALC–4 Page 16 All rights reserved. JOINTING 5. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent. A typical cable construction is shown in Fig. . covered with a cross-linked insulation and semi-conductive layers. 8. designed to ensure the following functions: • optical continuity.1 GENERAL Cable jointing is realized with a jointing box. maintained by over-moulding the jointing box with polyethylene • storage of fibre and splices.TYPICAL LAND POWER CABLE CONSTRUCTION 5. achieved by arc fusion splicing of the fibres • mechanical continuity. this last connection also ensures the electrical continuity • pressure resistance. Copy. ensured by the jointing box construction • high voltage insulation and water-tightness. the steel wires of the vault. 1 2 1 Conductor 3 2 Extruded semi-conductor 4 3 Insulation 5 4 Extruded semi-conductor 6 5 Screen 6 Outer sheath FIGURE 8 . which is then closed with a steel sleeve. . Fig. FIGURE 9 . 10 shows a view of an armoured cable joint extremity with its bend limiter. 9. • Each joint is equipped with two bend limiters. the copper tape and the steel tube are clamped to the joint. This constitutes the deep sea splice box. the armour wires ends are anchored into epoxy resin moulded between the deep sea splice box and a surrounding metallic case. e. • Optical fibres are spliced using an arc fusion technique. when the jointing box passes around sheaves in the factory or around bow sheaves of the cable ship. • The excess fibre lengths are coiled in dedicated tanks located at both ends of the jointing box.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable 5. Copy. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent. Each splice is mechanically reinforced using a heat-shrinkable sleeve. high-speed injection polyethylene moulding process is used to insulate and seal the box and to ensure amalgamation with the cable polyethylene insulation.2 JOINTING BOX DESIGN The design of a jointing box is as follows: • Vault wires are anchored into the joint. shown in Fig. • If armoured.g. A high pressure.DEEP-SEA CABLE JOINTING BOX June 2007 OALC–4 Page 17 All rights reserved. They provide protection against shocks and limit cable bending radius. ARMOURED CABLE JOINTING BOX WITH BEND LIMITER 5. and ploughs commonly used. 6. and is compatible with the use of electroding fault detection methods. . more particularly under the most demanding service conditions that are met at the bow during recovery operations. where a particularly severe combination of tension and bending is encountered at the junction between cable and repeater. June 2007 OALC–4 Page 18 All rights reserved. Bend limiters are dimensioned so as they are compatible with standard equipment aboard cable ships. The coupler is sufficiently robust to preserve the mechanical. Copy. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent. REPEATER COUPLERS 6.3 JOINTING BOX CHARACTERISTICS The breaking load of the joint is at least equal to 90% of the breaking load of the cable. electrical and optical integrity of the system.1 GENERAL The cable junction to a repeater is ensured via a coupler.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable FIGURE 10 . The joint electrical insulation is qualified to sustain a 12kV operational voltage for 25 years. . Fig. one for LW/LWP cables and the other for armoured cables. 6. Mechanical coupling is achieved between the jointing box and the repeater by means of a flexible bend-limiting device commonly known as the "armadillo". FIGURE 11 . connecting the cable elements to the repeater tail tube that provides electrical and optical continuity between cable and repeater. The coupler described in this document is designed for Alcatel-Lucent repeaters and Branching Units. Copy. Armoured coupling designs are qualified to 200kN around a 3 meter sheave and to 400kN (or 90% of cable UTS if lower) in straight pull. similar to the box used for the cable joint.TYPICAL CABLE TERMINATION 6. different termination designs may be used.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable It consists of a jointing box.3 COUPLER CHARACTERISTICS The breaking load of a coupler is at least equal to 90% of the breaking load of the cable for LW and LWP. The coupler extremity box is qualified to the same standards as the jointing box with regards to its electrical characteristics.2 EXTREMITY JOINTING BOX DESIGN The connection of a cable length to a termination is made in the same way as for the cable joint. Two types of armadillos are used. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent. June 2007 OALC–4 Page 19 All rights reserved. For other types of submerged equipment. 11 shows a view of an armoured cable termination to a repeater. . the couplers are identical to the standard repeater coupler. 7. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent. 7. The end specific UJ kits to be used with the OALC-4 cables are as listed below: LW LWP SA DA kit 25001 kit 25001 & kit 241AA kit 25021 kit 25120 7.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable 6. JOINTING OPERATIONS ON BOARD CABLE SHIP 7. couplers can be pulled in opposite directions without causing damage to the branching unit or the cables.3 ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS There are no specific environmental requirements for splicing and jointing operations on board a cable ship.2 JOINTING OPERATIONS FOR MAINTENANCE PURPOSES For the repair of installed cable. In addition vibrations and excessive temperature variations will make the jointing operation more difficult and increase the risk of splicing or moulding failures.1 JOINTING OPERATIONS DURING CABLE INSTALLATION Jointing of the cable during installation operations can be made using the same method as in factory jointing. Copy. or an Universal Joint for which the OALC-4 cable is fully qualified including a wide range of interconnections. June 2007 OALC–4 Page 20 All rights reserved.4 BRANCHING UNIT COUPLERS For the branching unit. On the "two-leg side". However the jointing area should be closed and kept as clean as possible to avoid contamination during moulding process. the maintenance authorities have the possibility to use either the same method as in factory jointing. or can be realised using an Universal Joint for which the OALC-4 cable is fully qualified. 1 CABLE A two-kilometre interval is used for cable length marking. RELIABILITY 9.5m long and are spaced by 0. A marking consists of three adhesive tapes spaced by 0. • The jointing box design is such that stress on the fibre is fixed to a maximum bending strain value of 0. Copy. MARKINGS 8. Numbered yellow adhesive tape is used for the marking.5m.1 DESIGN AND FIBRE LIFETIME The cable long term reliability is based on two design principles: • The fibre and splices inside the cable are proof tested and the cables are dimensioned so that the calculated fibre break probability is negligible throughout the cable lifetime. repeaters and branching units are signalled on each side with coloured adhesive tape placed according to the following scheme: • 4 markings located at 10m from the joint/repeater • 3 markings located at 50m from the joint/repeater • 2 markings located at 200m from the joint/repeater • 1 marking located at 500m from the joint/repeater The markings are red for the deep sea LW cable and white for the LWP and for armoured cables.2 SUBMERGED EQUIPMENT Joints. 8.2 %. following an increasing order within each cable section. June 2007 OALC–4 Page 21 All rights reserved. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent. wound around the cable and bearing the number corresponding to the running kilometre. . 9.5m from each other. They are 0.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable 8. 2 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 9. June 2007 OALC–4 Page 22 All rights reserved. which metallic screen acts as an effective barrier against H2S. caused by the interaction of Hydrogen or hydroxyl ions with the fibre dopants (irreversible effects) and absorption of molecular Hydrogen by the fibre (reversible effects). magneto-hydrodynamic effects have no measurable influence on the optical fibres attenuation. Copy. If hazardous areas cannot be avoided. 9. . For armoured cable types.2. Such areas are normally well localised and a suitable route selection avoiding such zones is generally possible and very effective. corresponding to an overall dose of one rad. the typical attenuation increase is estimated to be 0. 9.001dB/km. in deep water sections appropriate protection may be provided by replacing the LW cable with a LWP cable.3 Magneto-Hydrodynamic effects From our experience. qualification standards and field experience allow to take into account for the Hydrogen-related loss increase a figure of 0.2. Over 25 years. Alpha and Beta rays are stopped by the copper and steel vault. optical fibres are loss sensitive to high-energy radiation.2. 9.002dB/km over the 25 years cable design life time. Cable design.1 Hydrogen effects Hydrogen is known to produce optical fibres loss increase. The materials used for the joints are such that they can be safely used in high hydrogen sulphide environment.2.2 Radiation effects Concerning nuclear radiation effects on submarine cable.4 Protection against Hydrogen Sulphide High H2S concentrations may be found in areas with organic deposits in shallow waters or in areas where a volcanic activity is present. so only Gamma rays are considered. an additional thick outer bitumen compound layer covered with white washing chalk may be applied over the outer PIP yarns layer to constitute a sufficient protection against H2S. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable 9. In these situations the water ingress limitation is less than 250m after 15 days of exposure. 9. t)1/2. . Testing results have shown that changes actually remain of the order of magnitude of testing equipment accuracy (≤ 1 x 10-3 dB/km in the operation temperature range). t is the water ingress duration in days. June 2007 OALC–4 Page 23 All rights reserved. The damaged cable length resulting from water ingress can be approximately computed using the formula L = k . handling and storage the cable design and materials selection ensures that the attenuation variation stays at very low levels. The formula given above is the result of numerous tests performed under high pressures and is applicable for pressures higher than a 30 to 50bar range. Below this pressure range.5 Effect of temperature Within the temperature ranges for operation. this construction ensures limited water penetration. Fibre Zero Chromatic Dispersion wavelength exhibits a temperature coefficient of 0. the formula does not apply because of the noncontinuous filling inside the vault.3 WATER INGRESS LIMITATION During the manufacturing process. In the event of cable damage. (P . L is the water penetration length in meters along the cable.03nm/°C.2. actually in this case the penetration cannot be modelled with a simple formula.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable 9. where: P is the water pressure at sea bottom in bars. k is a constant usually equal to 6. a filling gel is continuously injected inside the tube and a water blocking material is intermittently injected inside the vault. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent. Copy. and direct exposure to sunlight is to be avoided except for short duration. 10. Copy.5 meter for LW and LWP cables and 0. 10.3 CABLE END SEALS Two types of cable end seal are recommended: a) When cable has to be left on the seabed for a short period of time (e. It is recommended to have cable tanks filled with water.9 meter for armoured cables • Static.1 STORAGE CONDITIONS The cable shall preferably be stored in tanks with both ends of each piece of cable left accessible for measurements. Use of steel drums is recommended for long term storage. The cable ends shall be sealed to prevent moisture penetration. and direct exposure to sunlight shall be avoided except for short duration. STORAGE AND OPERATION 10. coiling in tanks: 1 meter for LW and LWP cables and 1.g. it is recommended to use end seals made of heat-shrinkable sleeve and special adhesive tape. It is recommended to have the cable protected with a covering. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable 10. .5 meter for armoured cables June 2007 OALC–4 Page 24 All rights reserved. 2 or 3 days). 10. b) When cable has to be left on the seabed for a longer period of time.2 SPARE SUBMERSIBLE PLANT RECOMMENDED TESTS The integrity of cable optical and electrical characteristics shall be verified for attenuation regularity and insulation resistance before and after each handling operation.4 CABLE RECOMMENDED BENDING RADIUS The cable recommended bending radius are as follows: • Static. it is recommended that cable end sealing be similar to a factory joint in which fibres are looped and a sea earth wired so that the cable can be monitored. Short lengths of cable can be stored on drums of the appropriate dimensions. storage on drums: 0. 2 1. These calculations are carried out with a typical recovery angle of 80° and a wave height of 4 metres.1 .2 0.4 (cable type 30 = 1.6ohm/km. type 31 = 1ohm/km).RECOVERY CURVES FOR LW CABLE June 2007 OALC–4 Page 25 All rights reserved. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent.8 1 1.6 CALCULATED RECOVERY CURVES Calculated maximum recovery speed for deep-water cables and recovery tension for armoured cables are shown in Figures 12. Armoured cables curves are calculated at typical maximum deployment depths. laying or recovery • -20°C to +50°C for storage. under load: 1. 10. Copy.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable • Dynamic.1 to 12.4 0. • -10°C to +50°C for handling.5 meter for all cables 10.4 Speed (knots) FIGURE 12. 14000 Recovery Depth (m) 12000 10000 8000 LW type 30 6000 LW type 31 4000 2000 0 0. .6 0.5 CABLE RECOMMENDED TEMPERATURE RANGES The cable recommended temperature ranges are as follows: • -10°C to +35°C in operation. 2 . use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent.4 0.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable 12000 Recovery Depth (m) 10000 8000 LWP type 30 6000 LWP type 31 4000 2000 0 0. .6 0.4 0.2 1.8 1 1.RECOVERY CURVE FOR SA CABLE (DEPTH: 2000M) June 2007 OALC–4 Page 26 All rights reserved.2 1.3 . Copy.RECOVERY CURVES FOR LWP CABLE Recovery Load (kN) 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 0.6 0.4 Speed (knots) FIGURE 12.2 0.8 1 1.2 0.4 Speed (knots) FIGURE 12. operation and repair. PRODUCT QUALIFICATION The OALC-4 cable design benefits from the experience acquired by Alcatel-Lucent in the use of a steel vault structure surrounding a central core containing the fibres. and to prove its reliability in situations such as transport. nature of the fault and the possibility to reuse or not short lengths of recovered cable. made with accuracy of less than 500 m (depth permitting). They allow limiting the length of damaged cable to less than 1000m in both direction.2 1. and result in re-laying an additional length of cable close to 1. As in deep sea many dredges to recover cable are usually required. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent.4 . storage. • Limited water ingress. Copy.8 1 1. laying.4 0. . the following techniques/features contribute in reducing the cable length to be replaced: • Localisation. June 2007 OALC–4 Page 27 All rights reserved. The OALC-4 cable was submitted to a full qualification test program to demonstrate that its specified characteristics are met.7 LENGTH OF CABLE TO BE REPLACED IN CASE OF DAMAGE In the event of a cable break due to external causes. • Cable recovery. 11. the length of cable to be replaced depends on depth. and from the use of raw materials similar or identical to those used in other Alcatel-Lucent long-proven cables.5 times the water depth. handling.Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable Recovery Load (kN) 50 40 30 20 10 0 0.RECOVERY CURVE FOR DA CABLE (DEPTH 500M) 10.2 0.4 Speed (knots) FIGURE 12. distance between the dredges. made with an accuracy of ±100 m within a span.6 0. .Index OALC-4 Submarine Cable Improvements made to the cable design. End of document June 2007 OALC–4 Page 28 All rights reserved. This testing was conducted in line with recognised international submarine cable standards and according to severe internal requirements and procedures. The cable qualification process consisted in a series of factory tests and sea trials performed in both shallow and deep water. 12. use and communication of this document or any of its contents is not permitted without written authorisation from Alcatel-Lucent. In those circumstances. to demonstrate the cable ability to withstand actual installation and recovery operations. materials or manufacturing processes since its original qualification have been validated following the same principles. AlcatelLucent reserves the right to modify it product to make use of such enhancements wherever feasible. CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT Alcatel-Lucent follows a policy of continuous development principles that may result in desirable enhancements being available. Copy.